Sakaja Pledges to Cover Fees and Living Expenses for KMTC Student Filmed Selling Goods at Night
by Maurine Kirambia on Thursday, 20 March 2025 – 11:39 am
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja stepped in after Citizen TV aired a story featuring Edna Mwango, a medical student at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) who works as a street hawker by night in Kisii.
On Thursday, March 20, Sakaja announced through his official channels that he would fully sponsor Mwango’s tuition and living expenses for the remainder of her studies.
“I will cover her school fees and upkeep. She is doing everything she can to stay in school. Edna’s determination is truly inspiring, and we will support her in achieving her dream of becoming a doctor,” Sakaja confirmed to Citizen TV
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The 23-year-old, who sells vegetables on the streets of Kisii to fund her education, has faced numerous challenges, including having to defer her studies twice.
Mwango, who was raised by her grandparents, turned to hawking as a last resort to raise the funds she needed. She relies on a quarter-acre plot of land they own to grow the produce she sells.
“I don’t have money. I plant vegetables and Napier grass. Since enrolling in school, I’ve struggled with balancing work and attending classes,” Mwango shared.
She is pursuing a degree in orthopedic and trauma medicine, with hawking vegetables at night being her only way to support herself, although the earnings are insufficient to cover her school fees.
KMTC Kisii Campus Principal Daniel Onsate mentioned that the institution was aware of her financial challenges and had been looking for a sponsor to assist with her fees.
“She has faced difficulties raising money through jobs she shouldn’t be doing, such as selling tomatoes and vegetables near where she lives,” Principal Onsate stated. “This situation is very dehumanizing for our student, but she has persevered. We are aware she is seeking help to cover her remaining fees.”
Governor Sakaja responded to the Principal’s call for assistance, pledging to cover all of Mwango’s fees and living costs. He expressed hope that, with this burden lifted, Mwango could now fully focus on realizing her dream of becoming a doctor.